Super-Resolution Imaging With Lanthanide Luminescent Nanocrystals: Progress and Prospect

Abstract

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy has overcome a serious diffraction barrier on the optical resolution and facilitated new discoveries on detailed nanostructures in cell biology. Traditional fluorescence probes employed in the super-resolution imaging approach include organic dyes and fluorescent proteins. However, some limitations of these probes, such as photobleaching, short emission wavelengths, and high saturation intensity, still hamper the promotion of optical resolution and bio-applications. Recently, lanthanide luminescent probes with unique optical properties of non-photobleaching and sharp emissions have been applied in super-resolution imaging. In this mini-review, we will introduce several different mechanisms for lanthanide ions to achieve super-resolution imaging based on an STED-like setup. Then, several lanthanide ions used in super-resolution imaging will be described in detail and discussed. Last but not least, we will emphasize the future challenges and outlooks in hope of advancing the next-generation lanthanide fluorescent probes for super-resolution optical imaging.

Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Super-Resolution Imaging

“…Dopants can again be used to vary photoluminescence characteristics. Other approaches, such as host lattice manipulation, surface passivation, surface plasmon coupling, photonic crystal engineering, combination with other moieties for the facilitation of energy transfer, and construction of inorganic–organic hybrid systems, are all interesting strategies to enhance on current systems . For biological imaging, using Nd 3+ -sensitized or dye-sensitized UCNPs irradiated at 800 nm can address the issue of overheating under 980 nm illumination. , Especially for STED applications, this is important.…”

“…Progress requires the merging of expertise from materials engineering, physics, and chemistry. Only a few review articles have so far focused on fluorescent NPs for SRM imaging, − but these were either specific to individual types of NPs or limited to specific application areas. A comprehensive review of the current state of the art and different approaches in the field is thus timely.…”

Tailored NIR‐II Lanthanide Luminescent Nanocrystals for Improved Biomedical Application

“…[47,52,83] Besides, similar to Yb 3+ , Nd 3+ is also an excellent sensitizer to activate both upconversion and downshifting luminescence of most lanthanide ions through the bridge role of Yb 3+ . [84,85] As is well known that longer wavelength of luminescence emissions can provide a high spatial resolution of in vivo optical imaging, [7,86] While the luminescence intensity of 1340 nm from Nd 3+ is relatively weaker than that of 1060 nm emission. [87,88] Hence, general methods to break the luminescence limit of 1340 nm through heterogenous doping, crystal hosts, or interfacial strain are urgently required.…”

Nanoparticles for super-resolution microscopy: intracellular delivery and molecular targeting

“…Other strategies – such as surface passivation, host lattice manipulation, photonic crystal engineering, surface plasmon coupling, combination with other functionalities for the acceleration of energy transfer, and construction of organic–inorganic hybrid systems – are all fascinating approaches to enhance on present systems. 177 For STED imaging, using dye-sensitized or Nd 3+ -sensitized upconversion nanocrystals irradiated at 800 nm instead of 980 nm, can solve the issue of overheating under 980 nm irradiation. 178,179 javascript:void(0); AIE Luminogens are typically hydrophobic in nature.…”